A Transformed Life

2 Corinthians 5:17

To be transformed is to be changed dramatically in your life, it has happened to me!  Do you recall Nicodemus a ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night, and it is clear he was hoping not to be seen?  Do you recall his statement to Jesus? “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”  Do you recall Jesus’ answer, it seemed to most who were listening as if it was not about the question asked, but many forget that Jesus knows what is in our heart and mind and Jesus was on target with the answer.  “Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  And Nick wanted to know how that could happen when one is old, and Jesus replies with these thoughts; “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17)  Many years ago while living in Corpus Christi, Texas, I was a member of a Christian Businessmen’s Committee, we met for prayer and Bible study on Tuesday morning of each week at 6:30 to 7:30 and it was there that I met a pot smoking hippie named Mitch.  The next time I saw Mitch was the next week and I needed someone to introduce me in that his outward appearance had changed so much, he was transformed both on the outside and the inside, the old had passed away; behold the new had come!

Mitch is a world changer, and his family took notice of the change and wanted whatever Mitch had, and as he lived the Christ life he also gave glory to the Lord Jesus, and many of his family and friends came into a personal relationship with the living Christ.  One of his brother-in-laws who had also ask Christ into his life was still smoking pot, and no matter what Mitch did or told him he kept doing it and Mitch was not sure what to do.  One night as he talked with Jesus about the brother-in-law, he was holding his brand new baby and this is what he heard in his mind.  Mitch, do you get angry with your baby when she has a dirty diaper, or when she spits up on your suit?  Your brother-in-law is just a newborn in Me, and his old habits still have a hold on him, so show him grace, for it was grace that set you free.

Often, in the local church building where we come together the sin of pride replaces grace, and we act like something we are not, so drop the pride and believe that God is love and that you are the center of that love, it is incredible how much Christ Jesus loves you and me!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice